🔧 Bike Tire Pressure: Ultimate Guide and Chart
Whether you ride MTB (Mountain Biking), road, gravel, or an e-bike, correctly adjusting your tire pressure is the cheapest upgrade you can make to your bike. Too much pressure will "bounce" you off the trail, while too little risks rim damage.
💡 Quick rule: Tires are inflated based on your weight, tire width, and terrain type. Always inflate the rear tire about 0.2 bar higher than the front because it carries a larger portion of your weight.
📊 Recommended Pressure Chart (Bar & PSI)
This chart serves as a starting point. Keep in mind that the rear tire should always have 0.2-0.3 bar more because it carries a larger portion of your weight.
| Rider Weight | Front (Bar/PSI) | Rear (Bar/PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| 🚵 MTB (29" wheels) | ||
| 60 - 70 kg | 1.6 (23 PSI) | 1.8 (26 PSI) |
| 70 - 85 kg | 1.8 (26 PSI) | 2.0 (29 PSI) |
| 85 - 100 kg | 2.1 (30 PSI) | 2.3 (33 PSI) |
| 🚴♀️ Gravel (40mm tires) | ||
| 60 - 70 kg | 2.4 (35 PSI) | 2.6 (38 PSI) |
| 70 - 85 kg | 2.8 (40 PSI) | 3.0 (44 PSI) |
| 85 - 100 kg | 3.2 (46 PSI) | 3.5 (50 PSI) |
| 🚴♂️ Road (25mm / 28mm) | ||
| 60 - 70 kg | 6.0 (87 PSI) | 6.2 (90 PSI) |
| 70 - 85 kg | 6.8 (98 PSI) | 7.0 (102 PSI) |
| 85 - 100 kg | 7.5 (108 PSI) | 7.8 (113 PSI) |
The chart above is a general recommendation. Our advanced algorithm takes into account your exact weight, tire width, terrain type, and whether you ride Tubeless.
OPEN TIRE PRESSURE CALCULATOR »Specifics by Bike Type
🚵 MTB (Mountain Biking)
With MTB, lower pressure means better grip (traction). The tire molds better around roots and rocks.
- Tubeless advantage: If you ride without an inner tube (tubeless), you can safely drop the pressure by another 0.2 bar without the risk of a "snake bite" pinch flat.
- Tire width: The wider the tire (e.g., 2.4" or 2.6"), the lower the pressure should be.
- Tire inserts (CushCore): By using protective inserts (foam) in the tire, you can ride at significantly lower pressures (even down to 1.2 bar) gaining maximum traction on enduro trails, without fear of breaking the rim.
Tired of getting flat tires on the trail? Find out all the benefits of riding without an inner tube, what tools you need, and how to do the conversion yourself step-by-step.
TUBELESS CONVERSION GUIDE »🚴♂️ Road Bikes
Here the goal is to reduce rolling resistance. However, it is a myth that the tire must be "rock hard". Too high of a pressure on bad asphalt actually slows the bike down because it "bounces" instead of rolling.
⚡ E-Bike (Electric Bikes)
Due to the heavier weight of the bike (battery + motor), an E-bike requires 0.3 to 0.5 bar more compared to a standard bike of the same category to protect the rims from impacts. It is also recommended to use tires with a thicker "Casing" (protective sidewall).
Tire pressure is your first line of suspension. Even a perfectly tuned shock won't work well if the tires are overinflated. After you set up your tires, find out how to properly set up FOX shocks (Rebound and Compression) for maximum trail performance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should you check your tire pressure?
Ideally before every ride, and definitely once a week. Air naturally leaks through the tire pores, especially with Tubeless systems.
Why is the pressure higher in the rear tire?
Because the rear wheel carries about 60-65% of the rider's weight. Higher pressure prevents the tire from squirming in corners and protects the rim from impacts.
What if I ride in the mud?
In muddy conditions, lower the pressure by about 0.2 bar (3 PSI) compared to dry conditions. This increases the tire's contact patch and improves traction.
What is the maximum pressure limit?
Always check the sidewall of your tire. It says "MAX PSI" there. Never exceed that value as it can cause a tire blowout or rim damage.
✅ Conclusion: Experiment! Bring a small pump on your ride. Start with the values from our calculator, and then fine-tune based on how it feels on the trail.
